Easter in Exeter

This Easter, which falls from 3rd to 6th April, our city is packed with lots of 'egg-citing' activities for the whole family to hop into. 

If you're looking for some money saving options this Easter then check out our Free in April guide, we've got some crackin' Easter egg hunt ideas, and we're sharing our top picks for rainy days in Exeter over the school holidays. You'll also find a great choice of delicious dining and seasonal menus as we serve up our guide to Easter eats around Exeter - perfect for celebrating with great food and company.

There's lots of fun, and educational activities taking place at RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) over Easter. Explore the galleries at your own pace using augmented reality technology on tablets, with Time Odyssey, get creative with LEGO building sessions, and journey through the mists of time in Future Fossils.

Visit Exeter Cathedral during the Easter holidays (7th - 17th April) for a celebration of springtime creativity and Easter Holiday Family Activities. Come along and enjoy hands‑on craft, including Leaf and Flower Pounding Prints, Willow Weave Fishes, and Mini-Lantern Making.

A great way to explore the city and discover its rich history is with a daily, free Red Coat Guided Tour which set off from Cathedral Green. These fantastic tours don't need to be booked and will give you a local's insight into Exeter's fascinating past, visiting an array of places on route. For something completely different then head beneath the city streets and join a guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages, the only ones of their type in the UK. Narrow, dark and exciting, they make for a truly memorable experience and great fun whatever the weather.

For theatrical minds then over at Exeter Phoenix imaginative young people are invited to create a stage play with award winning PaddleBoat Theatre Company. This year's theme is 'The history of silly sayings!' and at the end of the week, friends and family will be welcomed to the Exeter Phoenix to watch the children perform their own version of the classic pirate adventure story. There's also the opportunity to Star in Your Own Superhero Movie and join a Mexican art workshop to show off your creative flair.

Get ready for an egg-stra special Easter adventure at Crealy Theme Park and Resort! Join the South West's #1 family day out for a giant Easter Egg Hunt, where little explorers can search high and low for hidden eggs and win exciting prizes. Enjoy live entertainment, plus plenty of Easter surprises along the way!

From 3rd April to 23 May, families can enjoy a brand-new Augmented Reality Bug Trail at Powderham. Using a digital “Bug Passport”, explore the grounds, uncover pollination secrets and spot AR butterflies and bees. The trail takes between 20 to 60 minutes and is included in your Powderham admission ticket. 

Embark on an exciting Easter egg hunt amidst fairies and ferns at Canonteign Falls. Explore 90 acres, seek out hidden eggs, and revel in the scenic waterfalls, serene lakes, and adventure play areas. A magical opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with Canonteign's very own alpacas takes places on 9th April. Every full-price admission ticket comes with a free return ticket, ensuring you can enjoy the beauty of Canonteign Falls again and again.

Join Seaton Tramway on an adventure through the worlds of super stories and tall tales, onboard The Story Tram. A sensory version of their popular Story Tram, where stories are brought to life through sounds, textures and props, engaging your child's senses!

There's lots of Easter adventure to be found at the National Trust's Killerton House and Gardens, from 27th March - 19th April. Follow the interactive play trail through the grounds and gardens to 'find' Killerton’s Rangers and discover how they make a home for creatures across the estate. You can even get your four-legged friend their very own dog friendly trail sheet.

Hop into springtime sleuthing at RHS Garden Rosemoor with Easter Detectives – Who Framed the Easter Bunny? (3rd – 19th April). Follow the clues, solve the mystery and rescue the bunny to earn a chocolate reward. A blooming brilliant family adventure among beautiful seasonal gardens. Visit during Easter weekend and you’ll even get to meet the Easter Bunny in person while families can also enjoy the newly installed The Wind in The Willows Garden Adventure trail.

At The Donkey Sanctuary follow the Easter Nature Trail around the sanctuary to discover what animals (besides donkeys) you could find living in the various habitats located across our land to claim a tasty Easter treat on completion. This entertaining Easter activity combines family fun, exercise and brainpower, and you'll be rewarded with an Easter egg on completion.

Little ones love a train journey and if you fancy a day out by the water, while leaving the car behind, regular GWR services depart from Exeter Central and Exeter St David's rail stations. Sit back and soak up the views along one of the country's most beautiful railway journeys for a day trip to the seaside towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth. Alternatively, take in the sights of the River Exe on the way to Exmouth where you can set sail with Stuart Line Cruises and enjoy a tour of our stunning coastline and wildlife. If you're feeling adventurous and wild, then pack your walking boots for an outing up to Dartmoor. Check out our 'Sea Moor City' rail itineraries for lots of great day trip ideas and itineraries. 

If the weather isn't looking too great then don't worry as our city is full of indoor activities and attractions that are full of fun and adventure. Quay Climbing Centre is the perfect place to experience the thrill of climbing, from the safety and comfort of being indoors. Home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the Southwest, young climbers can tackle Clip ‘n Climb while Boulder Exe offers another challenge to take on. For a mental, rather than physical, workout then test yourself in an escape room or embark on a tour around the city with self-guided city trail company, Go Quest Adventures. 

This Easter, treat your little ones to a delicious The Ivy Exeter breakfast, complete with a limited-edition Ivy Teddy Bear to take home and treasure. Meanwhile, The Ivy Bunny will be hopping by to spread a little Easter magic on 3rd, 4th, and 5th April. 

Check out our What's On guide for a full listing of Easter events.